The Journey, Stories of Migration by Cynthia Rylant

Author Cynthia Rylant creates clear and vivid descriptions of the migratory habits of six different species in The Journey: Stories of Migration. Rylant's poetic language, as exhibited throughout many of her books is carried throughout this narrative story. These descriptions are perfectly matched with Davis's colorful and vibrant illustrations that are presented as full-page bleeds, as well as smaller pictures noted below each of the species introductions.

Rylant also starts the story with an introduction and ends the story with a conclusion page. In the introduction Rylant states, "These are the creatures who migrate. Their lives will be spent moving from one place to another. Some will migrate to survive. Some will migrate to create a new life. All will be remarkable. Here are the stories of some of these remarkable travelers. The locust, the whale, the eel, the butterfly, the caribou, the tern -- so different from each other but so alike in one profound way: Each must move." The introduction gives a broad definition of migration to children, as well as identifies the species that they will be learning about in the pages to come. The conclusion, somewhat reiterates the introduction, but more of in a profound and meaningful way: Tiny birds, great whales, fragile butterflies, persistent eels, humming locusts, and brave caribou: These are all miracles in motion. Travelers on a remarkable road." Although each of the six species are separated by different "sections" by titles, Rylant conveys the strong bond that all of these creatures share: the necessity to travel in order to survive. But how is it that understand when to travel, where to go, and how to get there? This continues to be one of nature's mysteries of animal instinct that is truly remarkable and fascinating.

The only slight disappointment that I had with this book was that there was no additional information about these animals and descriptions. This story, however, would lead into an excellent question and seek information session in order to gain further knowledge about these species, as well as learning about other migratory animals. In addition, even though I thought Davis's illustrations were beautifully done, I think that the non-realistic form of the creatures. I think actual photographs would be much more suitable in order to support the text of the story, while also creating a more realistic appearance of the species included in the story. The Journey Stories of Migration would be an excellent read aloud for students to introduce the process of migration. It creates the opportunity for children to take a closer look into the animal world and the journeys they embark on in order to survive.